# Lindian Resources and Malawi mining regulatory disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lindian-resources-and-malawi-mining-regulatory-disputes > Updated: 2026-08-17T20:05:43.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Lindian Resources has faced regulatory scrutiny regarding its Kangankunde rare-earths project in Malawi. Following concerns raised in the Malawi National Assembly regarding the company’s use of a medium-scale mining licence, the project underwent a regulator review to determine if it should be re-classified as a large-scale operation. This potential re-classification would require higher royalties and stricter reporting. The dispute led to a 10% drop in Lindian’s shares on the Australian market before trading was halted. Broader regulatory shifts in Malawi have also impacted the mining sector, with the government implementing a suspension of new mining licenses and a ban on raw mineral exports to encourage domestic value addition. Despite these administrative hurdles and concerns from the Chamber of Mines and Energy regarding investment attraction, Lindian Resources reported completing its first production blast at the Kangankunde project, with mine commissioning still targeted for October. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Malawi mining sector faces growth hurdles amid license freeze Malawi's mining sector faces growth challenges due to license suspensions and export bans, though Standard Bank Malawi has pledged financing to support development and small-scale miners. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malawi-mining-sector-faces-growth-hurdles-amid-license-freeze ### 2026-08-06: Lindian Resources shares halted over Malawi licence dispute Lindian Resources' shares were halted after Malawi's speaker questioned its medium‑scale mining licence, causing a 10% drop and prompting regulator review of the Kangankunde rare‑earths project. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lindian-resources-shares-halted-over-malawi-licence-dispute --- Cite as: Lindian Resources and Malawi mining regulatory disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lindian-resources-and-malawi-mining-regulatory-disputes